If Zach Parise hits the free agent market on July 1st, a Rick Nash deal may have to wait so the Blue Jackets can get a true sense of the market may offer. The Rangers and Sharks may be Nash’s preferred destinations, but he may have to soften his stance on his limited team list.
The Maple Leafs need an experienced goalie, a top center and more grit and depth in their bottom 6. Leafs say Luke Schenn isn’t being shopped and they don’t want to trade Jake Gardiner. Teams know they have defenseman available.
The Canadiens want to get bigger, and are looking for a left winger to play with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. They are also looking for a top 4 defenseman. They are unlikely to trade their 3rd overall pick, but they are keeping an open mind.
The Senators have lots of young assets, and if owner Eugene Melnyk can be convinced to add the extra money, they could take a run at Rick Nash. The Sens are likely to be listening to offers on goalie Robin Lehner or Ben Bishop.
If Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec doesn’t get a multi-year deal in the $4 million range, he could look at the KHL. Some teams think the Evander Kane could be available, though both the Jets and Kane’s camp say he hasn’t asked for a trade and there have been no trade discussions.
The Canucks are listening to interested parties on Roberto Luongo, but a deal may not happen before the draft. Canucks GM Mike Gillis said “don’t bother” for teams considering an offer sheet for Cory Schneider. Gillis isn’t that enthused about trades this week, and the that the market may be better later on in the summer.
The Oilers are looking to add 2 top 4 defenseman this summer. The 1st overall pick could be available. If Predators re-sign Suter, they may have trouble keeping Shea Weber and Ryan Ellis long term, and the Oilers would be interested. They’ll pursue Justin Schultz. The Oilers are also looking for help in net.
The Flames will look at all trade scenarios that don’t involve Jarome Iginla or Miikka Kiprusoff. They are looking to add a top 6 forward. Mikael Backlund and Jay Bouwmeester are names that could be traded. Jaromir Jagr may interest them.
